As the temperatures rise in Abu Dhabi, it’s vital to protect children from the harsh summer sun. Children’s skin is far more sensitive than adults’ skin, and their bodies are unaccustomed to the intensity of the heat, making them more prone to burning, heat rash, and heat stroke.
Here are 5 tips to keep kids safe in the sun:
Cover up & limit time in the sun
Keep sun exposure to a minimum, especially for the smaller ones. Keep children covered loose-fitting clothing, a sun hat, and don’t forget those sunglasses that carry good UV ray protection.
Use a high factor sun cream
Children’s skin is very light-sensitive, so opt for a broad-spectrum sun cream that offers protection from both UVA and UVB rays. We recommend using factor 50!
Stay hydrated
Water is vital for our bodies. In this heat, children will lose more water through sweat, so it’s important to keep them properly hydrated throughout the day. Its recommended that children should drink 5-8 glasses of water a day depending on their age, whilst snacks that are high in water content like fruits and veggies are also a good way of increasing their daily water intake.
Prepare for the heat
Make sure you are prepared for the heat by carrying the essentials with you: plenty of water, sun cream, hat, and sunglasses. Also try to avoid the hottest parts of the day which are between 11am and 3pm.
Look out for signs of heat stroke
Pay attention to any tell-tale signs that your child could be suffering from heat stroke- dizziness, nausea, headache, rapid breathing, decreased urination, and even changes in behaviour. If you notice any of these symptoms, move to a cool place and bring their temperature down as quickly as you can.
